Bleeding Heart flowers, belonging to the Dicentra genus, are cherished for their unique, heart-shaped blooms that appear to drip a drop of blood from the tip, giving rise to their evocative name. These perennials are native to Asia and North America, thriving in woodland settings where they enjoy the dappled shade. The most iconic species, Dicentra spectabilis, features long, arching stems from which the pink or white heart-shaped flowers hang, creating an enchanting, almost whimsical display in late spring.
The foliage of bleeding hearts is as ornamental as the flowers; it consists of finely cut, fern-like leaves that offer a lush, green backdrop or contrast when varieties with golden or burgundy leaves are chosen. This foliage not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also tends to die back after blooming, prompting some gardeners to plant companion plants that can fill in the space later in the season. Bleeding hearts are relatively low-maintenance, preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, which makes them ideal for shade gardens or under tree canopies.
Culturally, bleeding hearts carry symbolic meanings, often associated with love, compassion, and sometimes mourning. They are popular in floral arrangements for their romantic appeal, especially in wedding bouquets or as gifts to convey heartfelt sentiments. In gardening, their ephemeral beauty is a highlight of the spring garden, with some varieties offering extended bloom times if conditions are right, or by deadheading to encourage further flowering. Despite their delicate appearance, bleeding hearts are hardy plants, capable of naturalizing and returning year after year to grace gardens with their poignant charm.
Types of Bleeding Heart Flowers
Dicentra spectabilis (Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart)
This is the classic bleeding heart most people visualize when thinking of the plant. It features pink, heart-shaped flowers with a white tip that looks like a drop of blood, hence the name. The flowers hang along long, arching stems above fern-like foliage, blooming in late spring.
Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’
A variant of the classic bleeding heart, ‘Alba’ produces pure white flowers. This variety can add a serene, almost ethereal quality to a garden, with the same arching, graceful habit but with a softer color palette.
Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’
Unlike its green-leaved counterparts, ‘Gold Heart’ boasts bright golden-yellow foliage that lights up shady garden spots. The contrast between the yellow leaves and the pink flowers is particularly striking, making it a standout choice for foliage interest.
Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart)
This species is known for its finely dissected, fern-like leaves and smaller, more delicate flowers compared to D. spectabilis. Flowers are usually pink or red and bloom from late spring through summer, offering a longer flowering period.
Dicentra eximia ‘Luxuriant’
A cultivar of D. eximia, ‘Luxuriant’ is prized for its brilliant red flowers that appear more continuously than many other bleeding hearts. It’s more compact and can rebloom if spent flowers are removed, extending the season of beauty in the garden.
Dicentra formosa (Western Bleeding Heart)
Native to the Pacific Northwest, this variety has a slightly more compact growth habit and produces flowers in shades of pink or red. It’s adaptable to various soil types and can be found in many woodland settings, blooming from spring into summer.
Dicentra formosa ‘Bacchanal’
With deep red, almost black flowers, ‘Bacchanal’ provides a dramatic flair to landscapes. Its foliage is a lush green, contrasting beautifully with the dark flowers, making it a choice for those looking to add intensity to their garden color scheme.
Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman’s Breeches)
While not a typical bleeding heart in appearance, it’s a close relative known for its unique flowers that resemble tiny pairs of pants or breeches. The flowers are white with a hint of yellow and hang from thin, arching stems, offering a whimsical touch to woodland gardens.
Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’
A hybrid between D. formosa and D. eximia, this plant is noted for its compact size and extended bloom time. It produces bright pink flowers over ferny, blue-green foliage, making it suitable for both borders and containers.
Dicentra ‘Valentine’
Another hybrid, ‘Valentine’ offers bright red, heart-shaped blooms with a white tip, set against a backdrop of dark, almost burgundy foliage. This variety is particularly eye-catching due to the color contrast between leaves and flowers.
Dicentra ‘Langtrees’
This cultivar shows off white flowers with a pink blush at the edges, creating a subtle yet elegant look. The foliage is also a striking blue-green, providing a beautiful contrast when the blooms are present.
Dicentra ‘Aurora’
Known for its pale pink to white flowers, ‘Aurora’ has a delicate, almost translucent appearance to its blooms. The foliage is a soft green, and this variety tends to bloom earlier in the season compared to others, adding early spring interest to the garden.
Dicentra ‘Ivory Hearts’
This variety produces creamy white, heart-shaped flowers that contrast beautifully with the dark green, fern-like foliage. ‘Ivory Hearts’ has a more compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.
Dicentra ‘Fire Island’
Known for its vibrant red flowers that seem to glow against the backdrop of bronze to chartreuse foliage. ‘Fire Island’ offers a bold splash of color and is particularly effective in providing a dramatic focal point in shaded areas.
Dicentra ‘Burning Hearts’
With deep red flowers that have a white edge, ‘Burning Hearts’ combines the traditional heart shape with a fiery aesthetic. The plant has a low, mounding habit, making it excellent for the front of borders or in containers.
Dicentra ‘Cupid’
A charming variety with pink flowers that seem to hover above the foliage on thin stems. ‘Cupid’ is noted for its continuous bloom from spring to frost if conditions are right, offering a long season of interest.
Dicentra ‘Spring Magic’
This series includes several cultivars, but all share the common trait of early blooming with colors ranging from soft pink to deep magenta. The foliage often has a bluish tint, providing a cool contrast to the warm flower colors.
Dicentra ‘Silversmith’
Noted for its silver-blue foliage, which is quite unique among bleeding hearts, ‘Silversmith’ produces pale pink flowers. The combination of silver leaves and pastel blooms creates a refined, almost ethereal garden feature.
Dicentra ‘Pink Diamonds’
As the name suggests, this variety showcases bright pink flowers that resemble sparkling gems. The plant has a neat, clumping habit, and the flowers are prolific, offering a dazzling display in the garden.
Dicentra ‘White Gold’
Similar to ‘Gold Heart’ but with white flowers, ‘White Gold’ features stunning golden foliage that transitions to chartreuse as the season progresses. The white blooms provide a clean, classic look against the vibrant leaves.
Dicentra ‘Pearl Drops’
This variety produces clusters of white flowers with a hint of pink at the tips, resembling pearl droplets. ‘Pearl Drops’ has a graceful, arching habit that adds elegance to any shady garden spot.
Dicentra ‘Candy Hearts’
Known for its continuous bloom of soft pink flowers, ‘Candy Hearts’ has a sweet, refined appearance. The plant is smaller in stature, making it ideal for rock gardens or as an edging plant.
Dicentra ‘Luxembourg’
With its rich, dark pink flowers, ‘Luxembourg’ provides a deep, saturated color to the garden. The plant’s foliage is a lush green, creating a vivid contrast with the blooms, enhancing the visual impact in shaded areas.
Dicentra ‘Ambrosia’
This bleeding heart features unique, rose-pink flowers with a touch of yellow at the base, creating a multi-colored effect. ‘Ambrosia’ is less common and offers a different take on the traditional bleeding heart look, with its flowers appearing to glow from within.
Dicentra ‘Red Fountain’
This variety lives up to its name with its cascading red flowers that resemble a fountain of color. The plant has a mounding habit which adds a dynamic flow to garden beds or containers, with blooms that last well into the summer if deadheaded.
Dicentra ‘Black Heart’
Offering an intense contrast, ‘Black Heart’ features deep burgundy, almost black foliage with bright pink to red flowers. This combination creates a dramatic effect, making it a bold choice for those looking to add a touch of gothic or moody elegance to their garden.
Dicentra ‘Alba Plena’
A double-flowered variety of the classic white bleeding heart, ‘Alba Plena’ has extra petals that give the flowers a fuller, more ornate look. This plant is somewhat rare and adds a luxurious touch to any garden with its double white blooms on arching stems.
Dicentra ‘Aurora Pink’
With its delicate pink flowers, ‘Aurora Pink’ has a slightly different growth habit compared to other bleeding hearts, with more upright stems. This variety provides a light, airy feel to garden borders or mixed perennial beds.
Dicentra ‘Sulphur Hearts’
Known for its unique yellow-green foliage, ‘Sulphur Hearts’ stands out with its pink flowers. The contrast between the chartreuse leaves and the soft pink blooms is particularly enchanting, offering a fresh palette for garden design.
Dicentra ‘Bleeding Hearts’
This is sometimes referred to as the common bleeding heart, but it’s worth noting for its classic beauty and ease of growth. The flowers are a vibrant pink with a white drop, and this variety is often the first to come to mind when thinking of bleeding hearts.
Dicentra ‘Snowdrift’
Similar to ‘Alba’ but noted for its more vigorous growth and larger flowers, ‘Snowdrift’ creates a pure white spectacle in the garden. Its flowers are borne on long, arching stems, making it look like a drift of snow in spring.
Dicentra ‘Pandora’
A newer introduction, ‘Pandora’ has an intriguing mix of pink and white flowers, with blooms that look like they have been delicately painted. This variety adds a modern twist to the traditional bleeding heart, with its bicolored flowers providing a unique visual texture to garden landscapes.